In vitro model for evaluating catheter-associated infections using skin-like materials (Conference Presentation)

This study introduces an in-vitro model using Ecoflex, a silicone-based material, to create skin-like replicas for investigating catheter-associated infections. This model mimics human skin texture in an excellent agreement compared to standard test samples and is validated by studying bacterial adhesion, surface roughness, and wettability on the silicone-based material. Our findings indicate the replicas accurately simulate human skin mechanical, thermal, and physical properties. The bioinspired model provides a useful realistic platform for studies on enhancing infection control strategies to improve patient outcomes and developing and testing new catheter designs and wearable sensing devices.